He had attended Holy Trinity School in Coldwater, and at the age of 15 began working at the New Idea plant in Coldwater. He served his country during World War II with the U.S. Army in Europe, working in communications for the 738th Field Artillery of "General Patton's Third Army." He later worked at Pet Milk Company in Coldwater, where he retired after 42 years of service. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Parish in Celina. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and playing checkers and games. He played softball until he was 82 but had stopped base running at 75. He loved to sing and would often serenade his wife, Marie.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Immaculate Conception Church, Celina, the Rev. Ken Schnipke presiding. Burial will be at Swamp College Cemetery, Celina, with graveside military rites by the Celina American Legion Post #210 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5713.